Knowledge Framework: Religious Knowledge

IB TOK Knowledge Framework of Religion

Scope

Religious knowledge is all about the bodies of beliefs that are held by followers of different religions. Religions draw together beliefs on the origin and purpose of life, teach followers on their moral and social conduct, and also help interpret the meaning of life and guide the way to live life well. Religious perspectives have a significant influence on the way societies run in the world today, and how they interact. However all of them share a common goal which is to teach concepts of metaphysical deities. Religious perspectives have a significant influence on the way societies run the world today, and how societies interact with each other.

Language

Different religion might use different ways to convey its message and language is the main way that is used to do so. One way that language is used is in a form of sacred texts. For example the Bible is a collection of sacred texts that is used by Christians to spread out their religious beliefs. By using language that is also recorded in a form of text, it is made possible to carry on the information for thousands of years to as many people as possible. Also even if the targeted audience doesn’t even speak the same language as the original language it was written in, the contents can be translated into that specified language. However some difficulties may arise in using language. The main difficulty is that some words could be lost in translation because of some words that might not exist in that specified language. This might result in misunderstanding or inaccuracy.

Methodology

Religion consists of various branches of activities and things to do, starting from religious gatherings, religious ceremonies, mass, reading sacred texts, and more. Since religion consists of various branches, all of the ways of knowing is used in one way or another. Language applies to the language that is used in communicating and spreading out the beliefs of a religion to its followers or to other people. Sense perception applies to listening and paying attention at religious leaders. Emotion applies to an individual’s feelings and religion plays a lot with an individual’s emotional state. Reason might be used by a believer of a follower to back up why the person decided to follow the religion. Imagination applies to how people perceive metaphysical beliefs. Intuition is affected in a lot of ways such as making daily decisions in life because different religions teach different moral and social conducts. Memory is applied to the believers of a religion because the individual might remember childhood memories such as taking parts in religious ceremonies with families. Faith is the most fundamental way of knowing that is used in religious knowledge. With faith, anyone can believe in a religion. Religious knowledge has built from knowledge established by the past by keep on developing and adapting to the changing needs of people. Many of the basic original rules still apply, but some of the rules that aren’t that significant anymore in today’s world has been left out.

Historical Development

Religion has changed and has developed according to our needs these days. An example is that now the number of atheists is growing because of the current society today. Also another example is that now some religions are accepting LGBT people because of the growing numbers in the community.

Links to Personal Knowledge

The shared knowledge of religious knowledge shared to the individuals will help them gain more information about religion and what they believe in. It may also help individuals see different religions in a different point of view that they never saw it from and gain new knowledge by doing it. By looking at other religions that are available, an individual can then compare it to their own religion to make sure that they are believing in the “right” faith. Religious knowledge affect my own knowledge by helping me think about my own religious belief and reflect on my faith.